An evaluation of parental assessment of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in New York City.

This study used a self-report survey to assess parents' impressions of the impact of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program on their children. Parents rated program success on each of seven outcome variables (school attendance, grades, getting along with family members, getting along with friends, self-esteem, staying out of trouble, and being more responsible), and two program variables (frequency of contact and length of time in program). While children were rated by their parents as benefiting significantly from the program, children's frequency of contact did not have a significant effect on the outcome measures. However, a trend of increased success with greater time spent in the program was found. Frequency of contact between parents and Big Brothers/Big Sisters was positively correlated with reported success.